Collingdale considers hiring police chief under investigation
- Rhaheem Blanden, a Chester police officer, is under criminal investigation and currently on administrative leave.
- The local Fraternal Order of Police is opposing his potential hiring as Collingdale's police chief.
- The council's decision to consider Blanden for the position has sparked significant community concern and controversy.
In Pennsylvania, Collingdale Borough is considering hiring Rhaheem Blanden, a Chester police officer, as its new police chief despite his ongoing criminal investigation. Blanden, who serves as a corporal detective in the major crimes unit at the Chester Police Department, is currently on administrative leave. The local Fraternal Order of Police has expressed strong opposition to this potential hiring, citing concerns over the implications of appointing someone under investigation. Tensions escalated during a recent council meeting, which ended abruptly due to heated discussions regarding Blanden's appointment. The council is scheduled to reconvene to further discuss this matter, with community members and police union representatives voicing their discontent over the decision-making process. The situation raises questions about the standards for police leadership and the impact of ongoing investigations on public trust in law enforcement.